Bachelor's Degree in Keyboard Performance and Music Business from McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, MN

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Learn More About Leah

General Teaching Style

I like to keep lessons light, fun and interesting, while still accomplishing a great deal.

I think it's important for instrumentalists to be well rounded players, so I love to work with them on note reading, theory, ear training, improvisation, performance, etc. However, the ultimate focus of the lessons will always cater towards their individual goals as musicians.

I'm a flexible collaborator and will often adjust my curriculum based on my students' interests; be it method books, ear training, songwriting, or creating a brand new agenda entirely.

Each student engages in a different way, and I'm always willing to accommodate to keep things fresh and interesting.

Focus & Goals of the First Lesson

I like to spend the initial lesson getting to know my students' interests -- musical and otherwise.

I'm also very aware that adults and children alike want to study music to ultimately play songs. Accordingly, I want my students to leave their first lesson feeling like they could sit down at any piano and have something to share.

Unique Strengths

I have a lively and energetic disposition, and I love collaborating with my students.

I am a creative teacher who is constantly adjusting my curriculum to cater to the student.

I have been actively involved in the music scenes both in Minneapolis and in Seattle, and I love being able to demonstrate to my students how these skills can be used in real world scenarios.

Top 3 Desert Island Albums

I might have to revive my primo mixed tape making skills of the early 2000s and create a couple of variety albums that would include music from Prince, Rufus Wainwright, Stevie Wonder, Alabama Shakes, Jamie Cullum, Bahamas, Snarky Puppy, Hiatus Kaiyote, Brandi Carlile, Hozier, Beyonce, Kimbra, and a whole lot more.

I can't say that I've been heavily influenced by any one or two artists, but instead, I'm constantly cycling through contemporary albums that I find new and exciting.

Additional Experience & Instruments

I began taking piano lessons when I was 6 years old, and I can't honestly say that it was always my favorite thing in the world.

I had plenty of experiences that made me not want to play, and that's why it will always be my goal to keep students truly wanting to play and improve.

There's no reason why people shouldn't be able to love what they do!

In addition to the piano, I also play the guitar.

Most Inspirational Music Moment

My life as a performer has been full of inspiration.

I've been involved in a number of bands throughout my adult life, and each group I play with provides me with a new and unique way to hear, play and experience music.

I'm incredibly thankful to have worked with some of the best players between Seattle and The Twin Cities, and continue to seek out inspirational moments with other creative individuals.